Stress Management

Stress management is a crucial aspect of maintaining good mental health. Stress is a complex construct representing the impact of stressful stimuli (i.e., stressors) on a person's functioning. Stress management is the process of managing the response to stressors so that a person's functioning does not decline but rather remains the same or improves. (Sutton, 2024).

According to Glazer and Gasser (2016), stress is a feature of life that affects all people around the world, even if it manifests differently across cultures. The term stress, however, is quite complex, taking on different meanings for both researchers and laypersons.

When using the word stress, researchers more often than not are inferring stressors—that is, environmental events (demands, constraints, or opportunities) or stimuli that require an adaptive response. In contrast, laypeople are more often thinking about stress as a negative response to a stressor (i.e., strain) rather than as a stimulus. Moreover, linguistic translations of the term stress yield different conceptualizations; in some languages it is clearly a response, whereas in other languages it is clearly a stimulus. Glazer and Gasser (2016) define and describe stressors, strains, and stress management; review the prevalence and comorbidity of stress; and present the major stress management interventions and the empirical support for their utility. They conclude by outlining future directions for practice, theory, research, and training in stress management.


APA (American Psychological Association) suggests several ways to manage stress. One of the most effective ways is to identify what’s causing stress and take action.

Building strong, positive relationships by connecting with supportive friends and family members when you’re having a difficult time is also helpful.

Regular exercise, nourishing food, and participating in activities you enjoy can help reduce stress.

Staying focused on the positive and avoiding negative energy is also important.

APA recommends avoiding drugs and alcohol to manage stress.

When stress becomes overwhelming, consult a psychologist.

Cite this post (APA style)

Sutton, G. W. (2024, January 1). Stress management. Psychology concepts and theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/01/stress-management.html

Related Posts

Transactional Theory of Stress

General Adaptation Syndrome

Stress and Coping Theory

References

Anton, B. S. (2015, December 1). Coping with stress. Monitor on Psychology, 46(11). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/12/pc

American Psychological Association. (2023, October 31). Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/tips

Glazer, S., & Gasser, C. E. (2016). Stress management. In J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos, D. K. Freedheim, & N. Pole (Eds.), APA handbook of clinical psychology: Psychopathology and health (pp. 461–475). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14862-020

Sutton, G. W. (2024, January 1). Stress management. Psychology concepts and theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/01/stress-management.html

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.